Put your ski gear on! It’s time to hit the slopes with our friends at Amber Consulting.
Cedars
At an altitude of 2,000m, this area enjoys a long season that begins in early November and often lasts until late April. The gently sweeping slopes are excellent for beginners.
Where to Sleep
White Cedar Hotel and Resort (+961 70 493 394) features a panoramic view over the Cedars Forest and valley.
La Maison des Cèdres (+961 6 678 073 /+961 71 888 414) is a cozy option boasting a restaurant, bar and garden.
Le Cedrus Boutique Hotel (+961 6 678 777), an attractive four-star hotel, is in the heart of the resort, where customers can enjoy dinner at Le Pichet Des Cèdres (+961 70 413 777), one of the top dining experiences in the area.
Where to Eat
For traditional Lebanese cuisine, head to Jannat Al Arez (+961 3 743 760) and admire the mesmerizing sunsets above the clouds. Al Arze (+961 3 666 746) is also revered for its fresh food and homemade arak.
What to Do
This charming village is well known for its nature, art, history and culture. Horsh El Rab (Forest of the Cedars of God), which is the oldest cedar forest, is just meters away from the ski slopes. Being the hometown of prolific Lebanese writer and poet Gibran Khalil Gibran, the Gibran Museum (+961 6 671 137) — formerly the Monastery of Mar Sarkis — is also located nearby in Bcharre. A little further you will find the Qadisha Grotto and Wadi Qadisha.
Photo – Ragheb Ismail
Faqra
Faqra resort is one of the world’s first private ski clubs. It is situated at an elevation of 1,550m, overlooking Beirut and Jounieh.
Where to Sleep
Auberge de Faqra (+961 9 300 600) has a private ski slope. There is also the Urban Hotel (+961 9 341 541), a trendy eight-room design hotel, and the Terre brune Hotel (+961 9 300 060), an alpine-style property.
Where to Eat
Beirut’s well-known dining concepts have found their way to the mountains of Faqra, including Meat the Fish (+961 1 993 606), serving fresh seafood and premium meat dishes, as well as Massaya Boutique and Winery (+961 70 122 414), this includes tastings, tours of the winery and cellars, and a cozy dining experience. However, for those in search of an authentic experience, delicious Lebanese mezze can be enjoyed at Chez Michel (+961 9 300 614 / 5) and Aand Shaker (+961 09 341 800
What to Do
Faqra has some remarkable attractions. The Temple of Faqra (Qalaat Faqra) is an archaeological site with Roman and Byzantine ruins that feature well-preserved altars, columns and tombs. Also, one of the most spectacular wonders of nature is Jisr Al Hajar, or the Stone Bridge, with a 38-meter arch spanning Nahr El Laban.
Photo – Vamos Todos
Laqlouq
Located at an altitude ranging from 1,750m to 2,000m and surrounded by thousands of trees, Laqlouq is a ski destination unlike any other. It is an excellent resort for alpine and cross-country skiing.
Where to Sleep
Shangri-La Hotel (+961 3 441 112) is a warm and luxurious boutique hotel with 20 rooms. Nirvana Hotel and Spa (+961 3 441 112) is another cozy option.
Where to Eat
Azawardi (+961 76 888 868) promises an authentic yet trendy Lebanese dining experience. For international dishes, eat at Los Reyes (+961 79 310 104 ).
What to Do
The legendary Afqa Grotto and Balou Balaa sinkhole can be reached within a 15-minute drive from Laqlouq. Other nearby sites of interest include the Kornet Saidat Al-Qarn peak and the village of Annaya, where you can find the Monastery of Saint Charbel, the museum and the hermitage.
Photo – Vamos Todos
Mzaar Kfardebian
Ski lovers can enjoy altitudes of 1,850m up to 2,465m and take in epic views over the Bekaa Valley, Mount Hermon, and other peaks like Laqlouq and the Cedars. With 42 slopes and 80km of ski tracks, the Mzaar Ski Resort is the most popular resort in Lebanon.
Where to Sleep
From boutique properties to chalets, there is no shortage of accommodation options. Some facilities are close to the slopes, such as Eleven Hotel (+961 70 999 931), Mzaar Views Chalets (+961 3 705 742 ) and Vintage Ski & Summer Chalet Mzaar, while others are clustered in town, including The Lodge Inn (+961 9 320 020), Faraya Village (+961 9 320 666), Chalet de Faraya (+961 3 321 216) and Villetta di Faraya (+961 76 188 220). The five-star InterContinental Mzaar (+961 9 340 100) offers year-round activities and direct ski access to an 80km trail.
Where to Eat
One of the best foodie spots is the famous Le Montagnou (+961 9 341 441) serving French cuisine with two main specialties: raclette and fondue. Don’t miss out on the best street food at R.Snack (+961 81 777 696) and taste their famous pork tartine and their special homemade puff pastry pizza.
What to Do
Mzaar Kfardebian is known to host the best parties in the region. Odin (+961 76 506 502) is a place where you can relax, have a drink and dance. Rikky’z (+961 3 120 201) is also a popular hangout due to its fun events and energetic crowd. Enjoy the thrill of off-roading through mind-blowing landscapes, Helmets-On (+961 71 644 442) offers ATV, buggy and snowmobile tours for families, beginners and experienced riders. In addition, visit the stunning 30m natural bridge of Kfardebian, the ruins of a Phoenician temple and a Roman tower.
Photo – Joe Sokhn
Qanat Bakish
One of the best-preserved towns in Lebanon, the old village of Qanat Bakish provides skiers of all levels with excellent snow and calmer slopes.
Where to Sleep
ODOM Retreat (+961 76 992 092) is located at Le Plateau de Bakish and offers a one-of-a- kind experience with its eco-village feel and dome-like capsules, while the three-star Snowland Hotel (+961 3 345 300) is the closest to the ski slopes, making it a great option for families.
What to Do
The old village of Qanat Bakish is one of the best-preserved villages in Lebanon. The plateau of Bakish is a popular destination offering plenty of activities during winter. Go snowshoeing up to the Cross of All Nations, the largest illuminated cross in the world.
Zaarour
Located just 30 minutes away from Beirut, Zaarour (+961 4 310 010) is the closest ski destination to the capital. Its family-friendly ski slopes, year-round activities and picturesque views of red-roofed houses hidden under coats of snow make this region a popular choice.
Where to Sleep
A luxury five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the mountains, Le Grand Chalet (+961 4 310 300) offers a cozy and memorable retreat. Villagio Hotel & Resort (+961 4 296 496) promises guests comfortable accommodation, a selection of dining options and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Where to Eat
Qasr Al Bouhayra (+961 4 296 200) is known for its flavorsome food. Zahr El Rabih (+961 70 444 564) is also a resort favorite, where you can enjoy Lebanese mezze. Head to Koukh Al Sabaya (+961 3 658 734) for saj, or try Roots (+961 81 297 397) for Lebanese and international dishes.
What to Do
Whether you are a fan of off-roading, camping, hiking or snowshoeing, Zaarour is the right place for you.
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